On January 12, 2010, a catastrophic earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck Haiti, close to Port-au-Prince. The quake caused widespread devastation and loss of life. In response, Canadians took action, including Michele Regehr, a nurse at Trinity Western University Wellness Centre who flew to Haiti to serve there for two weeks as part of a Food for the Hungry Canada team of doctors and nurses.

Operation HESTIA was the Canadian Forces participation in humanitarian operations conducted in response to the catastrophic earthquake. From their arrival hours after the earthquake, approximately 2,000 personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force helped countless people and provided medical care and humanitarian aid assistance, such as food and water delivery, security, engineering services, and search and rescue support.

On September 20, 2010 Trinity Western University is hosting Commander Josée Kurtz as she reflects on Canada’s response in Haiti. Accompanying her visit is a stunning photography exhibit of Operation HESTIA. The vivid images included in the exhibit reveal the immense scope of the operation and the remarkable efforts of the Canadian Forces to help the Haitian populations of Port-au-Prince, Jacmel and Léogâne.

The images will be on display in the Stephen P. Larsen Atrium at Trinity Western University the week of September 20 – 24, 2010.